Otti Urges Igbo Traders to Move From Markets to Manufacturing, Digital Commerce

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged Igbo entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional trading and embrace manufacturing, technology and digital commerce as the global economy changes.

Otti made the call on Monday in Umuahia during the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide under the theme, “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo.”

The governor said trading remained an important part of Igbo economic activity but argued that businesses needed to move towards manufacturing and technology-driven commerce to compete in a changing market.

“We are leaving that level of trading. In Abia, we have markets. The markets are important. But we are moving from that level of marketing to manufacturing,” Otti said.

He was responding to concerns about the growing presence of Chinese traders in retail businesses in Lagos and their competition with Igbo entrepreneurs.

Otti said the response should not be limited to competing within conventional physical markets. Instead, he said Abia was promoting manufacturing while encouraging businesses to adopt digital platforms that can connect them with customers beyond traditional markets.

“We are leaving that physical store for digital delivery. So, when somebody talked about Alibaba, that is exactly where we are headed,” he said.

The governor also highlighted his administration’s TechRise initiative, which he said was providing digital skills training for young people. Otti said some beneficiaries were already working remotely from Aba for global technology companies.

He further said Abia was pursuing an economic model that combines manufacturing with digital commerce, arguing that entrepreneurs who fail to adapt to technological changes could struggle to remain competitive.

Otti also assured the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide of his administration’s support and described the event’s message of “Njikọ Ka,” meaning “Unity is Supreme,” as important to the development of the South-East.